Weather in Mammoth Lakes

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Mammoth Lakes. In this section, you will find fresh data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Mammoth Lakes is characterized by significant seasonal temperature fluctuations and very low precipitation levels throughout the year, indicating features of a mountainous or semi-arid climate. Winters here are cold, while summers are warm and dry. Travelers should be prepared for substantial temperature changes not only between seasons but also throughout the day, especially during transitional periods.

There are four distinct seasons in Mammoth Lakes. Winter (December to March) brings negative average temperatures, often dropping significantly below freezing at night, with maximum daytime temperatures barely exceeding 0°C. This period sees the highest amount of precipitation, likely in the form of snow. Spring (April-May) is a time of gradual warming, although night frosts are still possible. Summer (June to August) is the warmest time of year, with average temperatures reaching +17°C in July and maximum values up to +25°C. The summer months are very dry, with minimal rainfall, and in autumn, especially in September, there is practically no precipitation. Autumn (September-November) brings gradual cooling, especially starting in October, preparing the region for the arrival of winter.

One of the main features of the weather in Mammoth Lakes is the very low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even in the "wettest" winter months, levels do not exceed 4 mm, highlighting the general dryness of the climate. This means that most days of the year here are sunny, which is particularly pleasant for outdoor activities. However, the low humidity and temperature fluctuations require appropriate preparation and clothing.

The climate in Mammoth Lakes is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations, which is typical for a mountainous area. The coldest month is usually February, when the average temperature drops to -4.3°C, and nightly lows can reach -9.7°C. In contrast, July brings the warmest weather: the average temperature here is 17.5°C, and daytime highs often rise to a comfortable 24.8°C. This annual temperature progression clearly reflects the changing seasons in this region of the United States.

Summer months in Mammoth Lakes, especially July and August, treat residents and guests to warm and predominantly dry weather. Daytime temperatures in July, reaching almost 25°C, create excellent conditions for outdoor activities. However, it is important to remember the significant diurnal fluctuations: nights even in the height of summer can be quite cool. For example, in July, the temperature can drop to 10.3°C, and in June and September, nightly lows are around 5.9°C and 6.1°C respectively. This difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness is a characteristic feature of the local climate.

Winter in Mammoth Lakes is distinguished by harsh and frosty conditions. From December to March, average temperatures consistently stay below the freezing mark. February stands out as the coldest month, with average minimum temperatures around -9.7°C and maximums that barely exceed 1.2°C. During winter months, daytime highs often hover around the freezing point, while nights bring noticeable frosts. Daily temperature changes are also quite noticeable, although somewhat less than in summer, but still require appropriate warm clothing for a comfortable stay.

In Mammoth Lakes, there is a fairly clear division into snowy and dry seasons throughout the year. Winter months bring the main share of precipitation, predominantly in the form of snow, while summer and early autumn are characterized by significantly less precipitation and a greater number of sunny days.

The highest amount of precipitation falls from December to March. In January, February, and March, the average monthly precipitation is 4 mm (in liquid equivalent), and in December it is 3 mm. Given that average temperatures during these months range from -4.3°C to -2.9°C, this precipitation falls predominantly as snow. March stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – an average of 12 days. January and December see 9 snowy days each, and February sees 8. This period is pivotal for the formation of the snow cover.

The summer and autumn months, from June to October, are the driest in Mammoth Lakes. In June, July, August, and October, only 1 mm of precipitation falls. September is the driest month of the year, when practically no precipitation is observed (0 mm). The number of days with precipitation during this period is also minimal: in September there are only about 4, and in October a record low of 2 days. In June, July, and August, there are approximately 5 days with light rain each.

Transitional months, such as April, May, and November, demonstrate a gradual change in precipitation patterns. In April and May, the amount of precipitation remains low (1 mm), but the number of wet days can range from 6 to 9. Since average temperatures rise above freezing (1.7°C in April, 5.9°C in May), precipitation falls primarily as rain. In November, the amount of precipitation increases slightly to 2 mm (an average of 5 wet days), and with the average temperature dropping to 1.4°C, both rain and the first snowfalls heralding the arrival of winter are possible.

When planning a trip to Mammoth Lakes, it is important to consider significant seasonal weather fluctuations. Winter (December to March) is cold here, with average temperatures often dropping below freezing (down to -9.7°C in February) and regular precipitation, mainly in the form of snow (about 3-4 mm and 8-12 snowy/wet days per month). Therefore, your luggage must include warm items: an insulated waterproof jacket, thermal underwear, fleece sweaters, a beanie, gloves, and a scarf. Don't forget waterproof winter footwear to move comfortably along snowy trails.

Summer months (June-August) in Mammoth Lakes delight with warm and sunny weather: the average temperature rises to 17.5°C, and during the day it can reach a comfortable 24-25°C. Precipitation at this time is minimal (about 1 mm and only 4-5 wet days). For summer walks, light t-shirts and shorts are suitable, but evenings and mornings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will be useful. In spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather can be changeable: from warm sunny days to cool evenings, especially in April, May, October, and November, when temperatures can drop close to freezing. The key to comfort during these periods is layering your clothing. Regardless of the season, do not forget comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (high altitude increases solar radiation), a hat, and sunglasses. Although heavy rains are rare, a light windbreaker or a compact umbrella may come in handy, especially in early spring or late autumn.